With over 300 miles of stunning coastal footpath, the majestic beauty of Bodmin Moor and its rugged tors, not to mention numerous calming woodland walks and quiet country lanes, both locals and visitors to Cornwall are certainly spoiled when it comes to choosing where to walk. In this way it is difficult to pick just one favourite walk but one that is our ‘go to - blow the cobwebs away - amazing views - walk’ is one that begins in an AONB just outside St. Agnes. This can be just a gentle stroll to the top of St. Agnes beacon with its spectacular 360 degree panoramic view or, for the more energetic and adventurous, you can take in the iconic engine houses of Wheal Coates. 

We start at the foot of the Beacon on Beacon Drive and, facing the top, take the left hand track. This is not the most direct route but this way will give you the most amazing views up the coast to Trevose lighthouse near Padstow. Then follow your nose to reach the stone at the top on which you will find a compass pointing to all the sights you can see, from Carn Brea ( another beacon site) and further on past Godrevy lighthouse to the golden sands of St.Ives. If by then you have had your fill of breathtaking scenery it is just a gentle meander down and back to your car. We carry on over the top, be careful of your footing as the loose stones can make make the way a little slippery, to the bottom to rejoin Beacon Drive  turning right to follow the tarmac back to the car. By going this way you will pass the NT car park and footpath down to the engine houses if you wish but if you carry on along the road, passing the campsite on your right - surely a caravan with the best views in Cornwall?! - you will not be able to avoid the small cafe serving light refreshments next door to the forge where two young local lads fashion highly sought after chefs’ knives. Should you take the route past the engine houses be sure to collect a small stone from the footpath on your way to drop down the grid next to what must be the most photographed engine house in Cornwall if not the world. The  workings  are near the cliff edge and you can listen out for the clatter of your stone as it eventually lands at the bottom of the shaft. I don’t think it seems to take as long as it used to to get there - over the years of stone dropping it must surely be filling up by now!

No visit to this area would be complete without a detour, either on foot or by car, to Chapel Porth where at the far end of the NT car park the cafe sells the most delicious ice creams - Cornish ice cream topped with Cornish clotted cream and then rolled in chopped hazelnuts - hence the name - ‘ hedgehog’. My husband’s favouritest favourite!! 

We hope you enjoy this walk as much as we do - we go in sunshine and in rain, on windy or on calm days and it never fails to lift our spirits. 

Helen and Graham Read

 A more detailed route explanation with loads of really interesting information about the area and its history can be found on a brilliant app/ website iwalkcornwall.co.uk